Exercise treadmill

ABSTRACT

A new and improved exercise treadmill may include a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is parallel to the first end. Two side rails interconnect the first and second end. The treadmill may further comprise a motor in order to drive a belt, which is trained over a front roller and a rear roller. A deck is positioned underneath the belt in order to support the user. At the first end of the treadmill, first and second arms extend upwardly and terminate in the protective shroud. The shroud may further comprise a console which contains push buttons for operating various programs while using the treadmill. The treadmill may further comprise two handles, which extend parallel to the deck. The treadmill may comprise a console that may have programs which may be started by pushing one button. It may also comprise a belt tensioning device, which provides a visual indicator so that the rear roller may be moved on each end in equal distance relative to the front roller. Another feature of the invention is a slot between the side rails and the frame so that an extended member can be inserted therein to lubricate the belt.

This application claims priority from a provisional patent applicationhaving serial number 60/704,303, which was filed Aug. 1, 2005. Thisapplication also claims priority from a provisional patent applicationhaving serial number 60/710,758, which was filed Aug. 24, 2005. Bothprovisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses forexercise treadmills. More specifically, it pertains to apparatuses andmethods for various features of exercise treadmills, including but notlimited to, one touch program buttons, a belt tensioning device,resilient support members to provide shock absorption, and mechanismsfor easy treadmill maintenance.

B. Description of the Related Art

It is known in the art that exercise combined with a well balanced dietis important for good general health. Many exercise through variousmeans including working out at home, taking advantage of good weather byjogging or walking outside, and many frequent their local gym.Regardless of the location, walking, jogging, and running are some ofthe most common and popular methods of achieving a cardiovascularwork-out. For the exerciser's convenience, a treadmill is often utilizedat home or at a gym. Treadmills to date, have served their intendedpurpose. They provide a variety of functions, including various speeds,various deck inclination, shock absorption, and even foldability foreasy storage when the treadmill is not in use. However, despite thenumerous features found in treadmills today, many problems still existwith respect to programming keys, treadmill maintenance, and the abilityto maintain proper tension on the treadmill belt.

With respect to programming keys on a console, normally, there arepictures of various programs on the console. As a user chooses whichprogram to use, they must press a “select” key and then an “enter” key.The user may also need to use arrows keys to scroll through the variousprogram choices. This may become cumbersome and frustrating to the useras they try to switch between programs. As such, there is a need in theart to construct a console for a treadmill that has one-touchprogrammability.

Another problem in the art is the ability to maintain proper belttension on the treadmill belt. To date, there are mechanisms availableto tighten the belt by increasing the distance between the front andrear roller. Usually, it is the rear roller that is adjusted while thefront roller remains stationary. It is difficult to use because currentdevices utilize Allen screws. In some embodiments, the user has twoalien screws. One has to be turned clockwise, and the other has to beturned counterclockwise. One of the problems associated with thesedesigns is the awkwardness of fitting an alien wrench into the screwsfor adjustment.

Another problem with belt tensioning devices is the lack of a visualindicator. Without a visual indicator, a consumer can easily overtighten one side of the rear roller so that it is farther or closer thanthe other side. If one of the treadmill rollers is even a little bitoff, meaning not parallel with the other roller, it can cause the beltto wander and the motor to overstress. By providing a visual indicatoron both sides of the roller, the user can easily adjust the distancebetween the rollers for even belt tension. By providing instant feedbackto the user, the adjustment is easy and no guesswork is required.

Still yet, another problem faced by treadmill users is maintenance. Overtime, belts need to be lubricated in order to reduce friction betweenthe belt and the deck. The difficulty in lubricating the belt isobtaining access to the deck. Normally, when a user decides to clean theunderside of a deck, the preferred method is to lift the belt, which maycause the belt to stretch, and to slide something underneath it. Moreand more treadmills are manufactured where one side of the belt actuallydisappears under the side paneling. Because the belt is trained aroundthe rollers at high tension, it is very difficult to access the deckwithout torquing the belt, stretching the belt, or causing the belt tolift up. As such, there is a need in the art to provide access to thebelt so that it can be easily lubricated without compromising thecharacteristics of the belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a new and improvedexercise treadmill is provided which comprises a frame having a firstend and a second end, wherein the second end is parallel to the firstend. Two side rails interconnect the first and second ends of the frame.The treadmill may further comprise a motor in order to drive a belt,which is trained over a front roller and a rear roller. A deck ispositioned underneath a top run of the belt in order to support theuser. At the first end of the treadmill, first and second arms extendupwardly and terminate in the protective shroud. The shroud may furthercomprise a console which contains push buttons for operating variousprograms while using the treadmill. The treadmill may further comprisetwo handles, which extend parallel to the deck.

One object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill that maycomprise a console that may have programs which may be started bypushing one button.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a belttensioning device, which provides a visual indicator so that the rearroller may be moved on each end in equal distance relative to the frontroller.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a belttensioning mechanism, wherein the rear roller may be displaced byturning a knob at the end of the treadmill.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a belt tensioningmechanism, where the visual indication may be by a scale having indicia,such as letters or numbers.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treadmillthat has a visual indicator that is digital.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercisetreadmill which comprises a space within or beside the side rails sothat an extended member may be easily inserted beneath the belt and overthe deck in order to lubricate the belt.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercisetreadmill that may have a maintenance mechanism that comprises a wiper,which may be selectively positioned in order to remove dust and otherdebris off the underside of the belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, comprising a frame, a rod operatively connected to the frame,protrusion means for turning the rod; and, an indicator adapted to trackthe number of revolutions of the rod.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, wherein the rod, the protrusion means, and the indicator may bepositioned on one side of the exercise device, the exercise device mayfurther comprise a second rod, second protrusion means for turning thesecond rod, and a second indicator adapted to track the number ofrevolutions of the second rod.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide anexercise device, wherein the second rod, the second protrusion means,and the second indicator may be laterally spaced from the first rod, theprotrusion means and the indicator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, wherein the exercise device may be a treadmill having a frontroller and a rear roller, the front roller and the rear roller beingsubstantially parallel, wherein the rods, the protrusion means and thevisual indicators may be adapted to change the distance between thefront roller and the rear roller.

Further yet, another object of the present invention is to provide anexercise device, wherein the protrusion means may be a knob.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, wherein the protrusion means may extend outwardly from the framesuch that the protrusion means may be turned without an associated tool.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice wherein the protrusion means may extend outwardly from the frameabout ½ an inch.

It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide anexercise device, wherein the indicator may further comprise indicia andan indication member adapted to move relative to the indicia.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, wherein the indicia may be an alphanumeric scale.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide anexercise device, wherein at least part of the indicator may be digital.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice, wherein the exercise device may be a treadmill.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide atreadmill, which may comprise a frame having a first side rail and asecond side rail, wherein the second side rail is oppositely disposedfrom the first side rail; a front roller; a rear roller; a deck; a belttrained around the front roller and the rear roller, a portion of thebelt positioned over the deck; a first belt tensioning mechanism, whichmay comprise a first rod operatively connected to the first side rail;first protrusion means for turning the first rod; and, a first visualindicator adapted to track the number of revolutions of the first rod; asecond belt tensioning mechanism, which may comprise a second rodoperatively connected to the second side rail; second protrusion meansfor turning the second rod; and, a second visual indicator adapted totrack the number of revolutions of the second rod.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmillwherein the first belt tensioning device and the second belt tensioningdevice may be adapted to maintain the rear roller substantially parallelto the front roller.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill,wherein the rear roller may be adapted to move laterally relative to thefront roller.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide atreadmill, wherein the first protrusion means may be a rotatable knob.

Further yet, another object of the present invention to provide atreadmill, wherein each of the rollers may have an axle passing though alongitudinal axis, the axle having first and second ends, the first endand the second end having a hole defined therein, wherein the firstprotrusion means and the second protrusion means each comprising a knobhaving the rod extending therefrom, the rod adapted to pass through therespective holes of the axle.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a treadmill,wherein the first visual indicator may further comprise indicia and anindication member adapted to move relative to the indicia, theindication member operatively connected to the first end of the axle.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide atreadmill, wherein the indication member may comprise a substantiallyhorizontal base operatively connected to the first end of the axle; anupwardly extending portion operatively connected to the base; and asubstantially horizontal pointer operatively connected to the upwardlyextending portion, the horizontal pointer adapted to be visibly locatednear the indicia.

Another object of the present invention to provide a method for placingtension on a belt of an exercise device, the method may comprise thesteps of:

providing a frame having a first side rail and a second side rail,wherein the second side rails is oppositely disposed from the first siderail; a front roller; a rear roller; a deck; a belt trained around thefront roller and the rear roller, a portion of the belt positioned overthe deck; a first belt tensioning mechanism, comprising: a first rodoperatively connected to the first side rail; first protrusion means forturning the first rod; and, a first visual indicator adapted to trackthe number of revolutions of the first rod; a second belt tensioningmechanism, comprising: a second rod operatively connected to the secondside rail; second protrusion means for turning the second rod; and, asecond visual indicator adapted to track the number of revolutions ofthe second rod;

turning the first protrusion means;

moving a first end of the rear roller away from the front roller;

turning the second protrusion means;

moving a second end of the rear roller away from the front roller; and,

reading the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator sothat a first end and a second end of the rear roller are substantiallyequidistant from a first end and a second end of the front roller.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forplacing tension on a belt of an exercise device, which may furthercomprise the step of turning the first protrusion means and/or thesecond protrusion means such that the first visual indicator and thesecond visual indicator show that the rear roller is substantiallyparallel to the front roller.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, whichmay comprise a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first andsecond side rails extending longitudinally between the front end and therear end; a deck operatively connected to the frame; and a belt trainedabout a front roller and a rear roller, wherein the first side rail hasa space defined therein, the space adapted to provide access formaintenance.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide atreadmill which may comprise a wiper assembly operatively connected tothe deck, the wiper assembly adapted to pivot relative to the belt suchthat a wiper selectively contacts an underside of the belt.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill,wherein an associated elongated strip may be inserted into the space andthen between the deck and the belt so as to spread an associatedlubricant between the deck and the belt.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide atreadmill wherein the second side rail may have a space defined therein.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill,wherein an associated elongated strip may be inserted into the space andthen between the deck and the belt so that to spread a lubricant betweenthe deck and the belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system formaintaining a treadmill, which may comprise a frame having a front endand a rear end, and first and second side rails extending longitudinallybetween the front end and the rear end; a deck operatively connected tothe frame; and a belt trained about a front roller and a rear roller,wherein the first side rail has a space defined therein; and anelongated strip adapted to be inserted into the space and then betweenthe deck and the belt so that to spread a lubricant between the deck andthe belt.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a systemfor maintaining a treadmill, wherein the elongated strip may have alength greater than or equal to the width of the belt.

It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide a systemfor maintaining a treadmill, wherein the frame may further comprise amotor operatively connected to the frame, the motor adapted to move thebelt, wherein the elongated strip is adapted to remain in the space andbetween the deck and the belt while the belt is rotating about therollers.

Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide asystem for maintaining a treadmill, and may further comprise a wiperassembly operatively connected to the deck, the wiper assembly adaptedto pivot relative to the belt such that a wiper selectively contacts anunderside of the belt. Another object of the present invention is toprovide a method for lubricating a treadmill belt

Further yet, another object of the present invention is to provide asystem for maintaining a treadmill, wherein the space may have a widthsized to receive the elongated strip so that the strip can only move ina transverse direction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system formaintaining a treadmill, wherein the space may have a width sized toreceived the elongated strip so that the strip can move in transverseand longitudinal directions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, the method may comprise the steps of:

providing a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first andsecond side rails extending longitudinally between the front end and therear end; a deck operatively connected to the frame; and a belt trainedabout a front roller and a rear roller, wherein the first side rail hasa space defined therein; and an elongated strip;

inserting the elongated strip into the space;

positioning the strip between the deck and the belt; and

distributing lubricant.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the belt has an outer surface,an inner surface, a top run, and a bottom run.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of positioning the stripbetween the deck and the belt may further comprise positioning the stripbetween the inner surface of the top run of the belt and the deck.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor lubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of positioning thestrip between the deck and the belt may further comprise positioning thestrip between the deck and the inner surface of the bottom run.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricantmay further comprise the step of moving the elongated strip along atransverse axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricantmay further comprise the step of moving the elongated strip along alongitudinal axis.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, wherein the treadmill may further comprisea motor operatively connected to the frame to rotate one of the rollersso as to rotate the belt, wherein the step of distributing lubricant mayfurther comprise distributing lubricant by rotating the belt while themotor is operating.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor lubricating a treadmill belt, which may further comprise a wiperassembly operatively connected to the deck, the wiper assemblycomprising a wiper blade operatively connected to an elongated memberand a handle operatively connected to the elongated member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method forlubricating a treadmill belt, which may further comprise the steps of:

pivoting the handle,

pivoting the elongated member; and

pivoting the wiper blade such that the wiper blade selectively contactsan underside of the belt; and

removing debris from the underside of the belt.

Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a readingand understanding of the following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail inthis specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top segmented view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is exploded perspective view of one feature of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is top view of one feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a left elevational view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a segmented perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is another segmented perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of one feature of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the console.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the console.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the console.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the wiper assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the wiper assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-19, wherein the showings are forpurposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not forpurposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 12 show various viewsof an exercise device 10 in the form of a treadmill 12. It is noted thatthe present invention(s) may be used on any type of exercise equipmentwhich utilizes belts, such as but not limited to a combination treadmilland stepper. The treadmill 12 comprises a frame 14 having a first end 16and a second end 18. The frame 14 shown includes a first side rail 20and an oppositely disposed second side rail 22 interconnecting the firstend 16 and the second end 18. The treadmill further comprises a frontroller 50, having a first end 52 and a second end 54. The front roller50 may have a hole 56 extending through the front roller's longitudinalaxis 58. An axle 60 may be inserted into the hole 56 and connected tothe frame 14 so that the front roller 50 may be operatively connected tothe frame 14. Further, a rear roller 62 is oppositely disposed andsubstantially parallel to the front roller 50. The rear roller 62 has afirst end 64, a second end 66, and a hole 68 extending alonglongitudinal axis 70 that receives axle 69. A belt 24 is trained aboutthe front roller 50 and the rear roller 62. The belt 24 has an innersurface 26, and an outer surface 28, a top run 30 and a bottom run 32.The belt 24 is trained about the front roller 50, the second roller 62,and a deck 34 (shown in FIG. 12). The deck 34 is operatively connectedto the frame 14 and it has a top surface 36 and a bottom surface 38. Thetop surface 36 of the deck 34 is adapted to contact or be in closeproximity to the inner surface 26 of the top run 30 of the belt 24. Atthe first end the 16 of the treadmill 12, a motor 40 (shown in schematicform in FIG. 5) is utilized to rotate the front roller 50. The motor 40maybe any motor chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment.The motor 40 may have a transmission (not shown) in order to adjust thebelt 24 speed. The motor 40 may have an output drive shaft 41 and mayutilize a drive belt 43 operatively connecting the drive shaft 41 to oneof the ends of the axle 60, as shown. As such, rotation of the driveshaft 41 drives and rotates the front roller 50, which in turn rotatesthe belt 24.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end 16 of the treadmill12 may include upwardly extending arms 13 which extend from the frame 14to terminate in a protective shroud 44. The shroud 44 may furthercomprise a console 110 which contains push buttons 112 for operatingvarious programs while using the treadmill 12. The console 110 may bedisposed between a left wing 116 and a right wing 118. Cup holders 120may also be integrated within the shroud 44. Also, bars 122 may extendoutwardly between the console 110 and the left and right wings 116, 118.The treadmill 12 may further comprise two handles 114 operativelyconnected to the left and right wings 116, 118, which may extendparallel to the deck 34. The length of the handles 114 may be any lengthchosen with sound engineering judgment, and it is contemplated that theymay extend as long as the length of the side rails 20, 22. Electrodes124 may be provided for use in detecting heart rate, pulse and the like.The electrodes 124 may be mounted to the treadmill 12 in any mannerchosen with sound engineering judgment such as by mounting them to oneof the bars 122 (as shown) or to one of the handles 114.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-2 and also to FIGS. 15-17,additional optional features of the console 110 will now be described.The console 110 includes a housing 111, which has the buttons 112mounted thereon. The buttons 112 electrically communicate with a circuitboard (not shown). The circuit board activates the motor 40 (illustratedin FIG. 5) in order to move the belt 24 as described above. The console110 may comprise an incline gradation from one percent (1%) to twelvepercent (12%) although other incline graduations chosen with soundengineering judgment can also be used. Similarly, the speed may rangefrom one mile per hour to twelve miles per hour although other speedsand speed ranges chosen with sound engineering judgment can also beused. Various program keys are also included such that the user can pusha button one time in order to achieve a desired workout. These mayinclude, but are not limited to, a hill walk, a mountain pass, pike'speak, fat burning, walking, jogging, cardio burn, walking intensity,jogging intensity, hill intensity, and mountain intensity. Other pushbuttons may include target distance, target calories, target time,target elevation gain, pre-programmed user buttons, a weight lossbutton, and a cardio button. A fan 113 may be included on the console110.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-8, a first belt tension mechanism 72 and asecond belt tension mechanism 74 are shown. Having a mechanism to adjustbelt tension results in longer treadmill belt life, and therefore, isoften desirable. Over time, the belt 24 stretches as a user walks, jogs,or runs on it at various speeds and under various loads. As such, thebelt may stretch and the extra slack needs to be accounted for. In orderto increase tension on the belt 24, the distance between the rear roller62 and the front roller 50 should be increased, in order to placeappropriate tension on the belt 24. It is contemplated to be within thescope of the present invention to adjust either the rear roller, 62, thefront roller 50, or both rollers. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the first belt tension mechanism 72 comprises a first rod 76operatively connected to the frame 14, which may be at the first siderail 20, first protrusion means 78 for turning the first rod 76 and afirst indicator 80 adapted to track the number of revolutions of thefirst rod 76. Further, the second belt tension mechanism 74 comprises asecond rod 82, second protrusion means 84, and a second indicator 86,which is configured similarly of the first belt tension mechanism 72.

The first and second belt tension mechanisms 72, 74 offer severaladvantages. First, the first and second protrusion means 78, 84 enablesthe user to adjust the first rod 76 and the second rod 82 without theuse of a tool. As such, tools are not lost and the mechanisms 72, 74 areeasy to adjust. Further, the first indicator 80 and the second indicator86 enable the user to easily identify whether or not the first andsecond ends 64, 66 of the rear roller 62 have been moved the samedistance relative to the front roller 50. By enabling the user to easilyidentify the position of the rear roller 62, meaning if it issubstantially parallel to the front roller 50, belt tension is even,which results in even wear and prolongs belt life.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3-8, the first rod 76, the firstprotrusion means 78 and the first indicator 80 may be positioned on oneside of the treadmill 12 adjacent to the first side rail 20. Similarly,the second belt tension mechanism 74 including the second rod 82, thesecond protrusion means 84 and the second indictor 86 may be disposedadjacent to the second side rail 22. As shown in the FIGURES, the firstand second protrusion means 78, 84 may take the form of a knob 88.Generally, a knob is easy for a user to grasp and rotate. Of course, anyprotrusion chosen with sound engineer judgment may be chosen, such as abar, a ratchet or other similar mechanism. Any protrusion configurationwhich extends outwardly from the treadmill 12 may be utilized. In oneembodiment, the protrusion means 78, 84 may extend about ¼ inch to about1 ½ inches outwardly past the second end 18 of the treadmill 12.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-8, the first indicator 80 may compriseindicia 90 and an indication member 92. The indication member 92 may beoperatively connected to a first end 69A of the rear roller axle 69 andmay be adapted to move relative to the indicia 90, as shown. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the indicia 90 may be analpha-numeric scale. In another embodiment of the present invention, theindicia 90 may be digital and could include an LCD display. Theindication member 92 may comprise a substantially horizontal base 94 andan upwardly extending portion 96 attached thereto. A horizontal pointer98 may be attached to the upwardly extending portion 96. The horizontalpointer 98 is adapted to move proximate the indicia 90 (thealpha-numeric scale, for example) as the protrusion means 78 is moved.The second indicator 86 may be similarly designed. As shown in FIG. 5,each of the rollers 50, 62 has an axle 60, 69, and each axle 60, 69 hasfirst ends and second ends 60A, 60B, 69A 69B. The axle 69 of the rearroller has a pair of holes 71, 71 defined in the first and second ends69A, 69B. In one embodiment the holes 71, 71 are threaded. The first rod76 and the second rod 82 pass through the holes 71, 71 defined in therear roller axle 69. A U-shaped bracket 75 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8) maybe attached to the first side rail 20 (shown in FIG. 3) and may have apair of holes 77 a, 77 b (shown in FIG. 5 and referenced in FIG. 8). Thefirst rod 76 of the first belt tension mechanism 72 extends through thehole 77 a, through the hole 71 in axle 69 (near the first end 64 of therear roller 62) and then through the hole 77 b, as shown. In oneembodiment, the first rod 76 has a first portion with a first diameterD1 and a second portion with a diameter D2, wherein D2 is less than D1.The U-shaped bracket 75 may define a cavity 91. The axle 69 can thusmove along the axis of the first rod 76 (in a longitudinal directionwith respect to the treadmill 12) within the cavity 91 in order toadjust belt tension. Further, the portion of the rod 76 having diameterD1 may be threaded to engage the threaded holes 71 of the rear axle 69.It should be understood that the second rod 82 of the second belttension mechanism 74 is similarly constructed and operated.

Operation of the belt tension mechanisms 72, 74 will now be described.Upon detection of slack in the belt 34, the user turns the firstprotrusion means 78. This moves the first end 64 of the rear roller 62away from the first end 52 of the front roller. Next, the operator turnsthe second protrusion means 84. This moves the second end 66 of the rearroller 62 away from the second end 54 of the front roller 50. The userreads the first visual indicator 80 and compares it with the reading ofthe second visual indicator 86. This ensures that the first end 64 andthe second end 66 of the rear roller 62 are substantially equal distancefrom the first end 52 and the second end 54 respectively of the frontroller 50. If the first and second visual indictors 80, 86 have the samereading, the belt 24 is being pulled in tension evenly across its width.However, if the first and second visual indicators 80, 86 are different,the first and/or second protrusion means 78, 84 may be again rotateduntil the indication means the visual first and second visual indicators80, 86 have the same reading.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 9-14, another feature of the presentinvention is described. As previously stated, the treadmill frame 14 hasa first side rail 20 and second side rail 22 extending longitudinallybetween the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the treadmill 12. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the first side rail 20 has aspace 148 defined therein, which is adapted to provide access formaintenance. On occasion, the inner surface 26 of the belt 24 should becleaned and lubricated to decrease the amount of friction between thetop surface 36 of the deck 34 and the inner surface 26 of the top run 30belt 24. This reduces undo wear of the treadmill belt 24.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9-14, anelongated strip 150 may be inserted into the space 148 of the first siderail 20. The elongated strip 150 may have a first end 152 and a secondend 154. The second end 154 may be inserted between the deck 34 and thebelt 24 in order to spread lubricant between the deck 34 and the belt24. It is also contemplated in another embodiment of the presentinvention that the second side rail 22 may also have a similar space 148defined therein. In one embodiment of the present invention, theelongated strip 150 has a length greater than or equal to the width ofthe belt 24. It is also contemplated that the motor 40 move the belt 24while the elongated strip 150 is disposed between the belt 24 and thedeck 34. The rotation of the belt 24 enables distribution of thelubricant.

The space 148 may be any size chosen in accordance with engineeringjudgment. The space defined in the side rails 20, 22 of the frame 14 maytake any form chosen in accordance with sound engineering judgment,including, but not limited to a notch, a hole, or a groove. Thisalleviates the need for pulling and twisting the belt 24 in order toplace lubricant under the belt 24. However, it is also contemplated thatthe side rails 20, 24 may be configured such that the space 148 islocated between the top of either (or both) side rails 20, 22 and thedeck 34. In one embodiment, the space 148 has a width W substantiallythe same size as the width of the strip 150 to therefore receive thestrip 150 yet limit the motion of the strip 150 to the transversedirection, shown by arrow A. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the width W of the space 148 is large enough to receive theelongated strip 150 so that the strip can move in transverse direction Aas well as the longitudinal direction, shown by arrow B. This spacewidth W impacts the speed of lubricating the belt 24.

In order to use this feature of the present invention, the elongatedstrip 150 of the treadmill 12 as described herein is provided. Theelongated strip 150 is inserted into the space 148. The strip 150 isthus positioned between the deck 34 and the belt 24. The user thendistributes the lubricant. When positioning the elongated strip 150between the deck 34 and the belt 24, the elongated strip 150 may bedisposed between the inner surface 26 of the top run 30 of the belt 24and the top surface 36 of the deck 34. Alternatively, the space 148 maybe positioned lower on the rail 20 and thus the elongated strip 150 maybe disposed between the bottom surface 38 of the deck 34 and innersurface 26 of the bottom run 32 of the belt 24. As explained above,depending upon the size of the space 148, the elongated strip maybemoved transversely (arrow A) and/or longitudinally (arrow B). Aspreviously described, the motor 40 may rotate one of the rollers 50, 62to rotate the belt 24. As such, the step of distributing lubricant mayfurther include distribution of the lubricant by rotating the belt 24while the motor 40 is operating.

With reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. A wiper assembly 156 is provided and is operativelyconnected to the treadmill 12. The wiper assembly 156 is adapted toselectively contact the inner surface 26 of belt 24 to remove debristherefrom and/or to spread lubricant thereon. The wiper assembly 156 mayinclude a wiper blade 158 operatively connected to an elongated member160. The wiper blade 158 may be selectively positionable between a firstcontact position where the wiper blade 158 contacts the inner surface 26of the belt 24 and a second no-contact position where the wiper blade158 does not contact the inner surface 26 of the belt 24. The mechanismused to adjust the wiper blade 158 between the first and secondpositions can be any chosen with sound engineering judgment. In oneembodiment, one or more springs (such as torsion springs) may be used tobias the wiper blade 158 into the second non-contact position. Whendesired, the wiper blade 158 can then be placed into the first contactposition by turning or rotating a handle 162 connected to the elongatedmember 160 and thereby overcome the biasing force of the spring(s). Inanother embodiment, the wiper blade 158 may simply be adjustedvertically between the first and second positions. With this embodimentno rotational movement and no springs are required. It should be notedthat it is contemplated to use a permanent wiper blade 158 and,alternatively, to use replaceable wiper blades 158.

The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods mayincorporate changes and modifications without departing from the generalscope of this invention. It is intended to include all suchmodifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

1. An exercise device, comprising: a frame having a front end and a rearend, and first and second side rails extending longitudinally betweensaid first end and said second ends; a deck operatively connected tosaid frame; a front roller and a rear roller operatively connected tosaid frame; and, a belt trained about said front and rear rollers,wherein said first side rail has a first space defined therein, saidfirst space adapted to provide access for maintenance.
 2. The exercisedevice of claim 1, further comprising a wiper assembly operativelyconnected to said deck, said wiper assembly selectively positionablebetween a first contact position where a wiper blade contacts an innersurface of said belt and a second no-contact position where said wiperblade does not contact said inner surface of said belt.
 3. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein an associated elongated strip is insertedinto said first space and then between said deck and said belt so as tospread an associated lubricant between said deck and said belt.
 4. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein said second side rail has a secondspace defined therein.
 5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein anassociated elongated strip is adapted to be inserted into said secondspace and then between said deck and said belt so as to spread alubricant between said deck and said belt.
 6. A system for maintaining atreadmill, comprising: a frame having a front end and a rear end, andfirst and second side rails extending longitudinally between said frontend and said rear end; a deck operatively connected to said frame; afront roller and a rear roller operatively connected to said frame; anda belt trained about said front and rear rollers, wherein said firstside rail has a space defined therein; and an elongated strip adapted tobe inserted into said space and then between said deck and said belt sothat to spread a lubricant between said deck and said belt.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein said elongated strip has a length greaterthan or equal to said width of said belt.
 8. The system of claim 6,wherein said system further comprises a motor operatively connected tosaid frame, said motor adapted to move said belt, wherein said elongatedstrip is adapted to remain in said space and between said deck and saidbelt while said belt is rotating about said rollers.
 9. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising a wiper assembly operatively connected tosaid frame, said wiper assembly adapted to move relative to said beltsuch that a wiper selectively contacts an inner surface of said belt.10. The system of claim 6, wherein said space has a width sized toreceive said elongated strip so that said strip can only move in atransverse direction.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein said space hasa width sized to received said elongated strip so that said strip canmove in transverse and longitudinal directions.
 12. A method forlubricating a treadmill belt, the method comprising the steps of:providing a frame having a front end and a rear end, and first andsecond side rails extending longitudinally between said front end andsaid rear end; a deck operatively connected to said frame; a frontroller and a rear roller operatively connected to said frame; a belttrained about said front and rear rollers, wherein said first side railhas a space defined therein; and an elongated strip; inserting saidelongated strip into said space; positioning said strip between saiddeck and said belt; and distributing lubricant.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein said belt has an outer surface, an inner surface, a top run,and a bottom run.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step ofpositioning said strip between said deck and said belt further comprisesthe step of: positioning said strip between said inner surface of saidtop run of said belt and said deck.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid step of positioning said strip between said deck and said beltfurther comprises the step of: positioning said strip between said innersurface of said bottom run of said belt and said deck.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said step of distributing lubricant further comprisesthe step of: moving said elongated strip in a transverse direction. 17.The method of claim 12, wherein said step of distributing lubricantfurther comprises the step of: moving said elongated strip in alongitudinal direction.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein saidtreadmill further comprises a motor operatively connected to said frameto rotate one of said rollers so as to rotate said belt, wherein saidstep of distributing lubricant further comprises the step of:distributing lubricant by rotating said belt while said motor isoperating.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising a wiperassembly operatively connected to said deck, said wiper assemblycomprising a wiper blade operatively connected to an elongated memberand a handle operatively connected to said elongated member.
 20. Themethod further of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: pivotingsaid handle, pivoting said elongated member; and pivoting said wiperblade such that said wiper blade selectively contacts an underside ofsaid belt; and removing debris from said underside of said belt.